mimicry

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "mimicry" is correct and usable in written English.
It is usually used to describe someone's ability to imitate another person's behavior, speech, or mannerisms. For example, "The clown's mimicry of other people's accents was very entertaining."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"They come up to me and say: 'I like that thing you do with your hands.'" The hands are, as it were, something he has to bring to every role, and they make him an easy target for mimicry.

The Guardian - Film

It is the first patent challenge faced by the company, which has been criticised for its mimicry of rival products, and is described as "China's Apple" by industry watchers.

The Guardian - Tech

As elegy for them, a scratchy recording suddenly blossomed into perfect mimicry of the woodlark's song.

The Guardian

Some of them must ask themselves: "Did we come to Asia to spend our time clamouring for a miserable mimicry of metropolitan luxury?" That question was actually raised in Singapore in 1899 when the "On the Verandah" column in the Straits Times took a dim view of Raffles's recent acquisition of electricity.

The Economist

And for that, you have to go back to mimicry but a different sort of mimicry from the one in which edible mimics hide among poisonous models.

The Economist

They were reinforced in this view by Alastair's jocular banter, his easy resort to mimicry and his habit of taking the Monday morning editorial meeting with a gin and tonic in his hand.

The Economist

Some have mimicry down to such a fine art that different individuals mimic different models, reducing the chance that a predator will realise it is being systematically fooled.

The Economist

This type of mimicry is also widespread in Heliconius, and Dr Kronforst thinks it is what is driving the initial changes in wing patterns in the species he has been studying.How applicable all this is to speciation in other groups, where mimicry does not provide the impetus, is unclear.

The Economist

It would be a neat conclusion to the story if understanding precisely how mimicry evolves clarified what actually is the origin of species.

The Economist

Yet, as he points out, there is a "striking mimicry" in the way regime and opposition alike parrot the slogans of the war against France, a mimicry based on a "fabricated memory": the leaders of the Front de Libération Nationale had created a myth of Algerian nationalism which co-opted Islam and ignored the Berbers.

The Economist

He entertains us with songs and brilliant mimicry.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In contexts of performance or behavior, "mimicry" can effectively describe the act of imitation, whether for entertainment or social purposes. Consider using synonyms like "imitation" or "parody" for subtle changes in connotation.

Common error

Avoid using "mimicry" interchangeably with "mimesis". While both involve resemblance, "mimicry" typically refers to a deliberate or evolved resemblance for protection or advantage, particularly in biology. "Mimesis", on the other hand, is a broader term referring to imitation or representation in art and philosophy.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "mimicry" is as a noun. It denotes the act, ability, or phenomenon of imitating or resembling something else. As Ludwig AI confirms, this term is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

29%

Encyclopedias

27%

Science

24%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

According to Ludwig AI, the word "mimicry" is a grammatically sound and versatile noun that commonly describes the act or ability to imitate. With a "very common" frequency, it appears across various contexts, particularly in news, encyclopedias, and scientific discussions. While "mimicry" is correct, it's important to distinguish it from similar terms like "mimesis". Remember to use "mimicry" to refer to an evolutionary process in biology in which one species evolves to resemble another and reserve "imitation" for the behavior of copying someone or something. By following these guidelines, you can confidently and accurately incorporate the term "mimicry" into your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

imitation

Focuses on the act of replicating something, often without the intent to deceive.

aping

Implies a close and often unflattering copying of someone's behavior or style.

simulation

Highlights the creation of a model or representation that resembles the original.

emulation

Suggests a deliberate effort to equal or surpass someone through imitation.

replication

Emphasizes the exact reproduction of something, often in a scientific or technical context.

counterfeiting

Involves creating a fake version of something with the intent to deceive, often for financial gain.

parody

Imitates something for humorous or satirical effect.

travesty

Represents a distorted or debased imitation of something.

forgery

Specifically refers to the fraudulent creation of a document or signature.

representation

A broader term encompassing any form of portrayal or depiction.

FAQs

How is "mimicry" used in biological contexts?

"Mimicry" in biology describes evolutionary adaptations where one species resembles another for protection, such as in "Batesian mimicry" or "Müllerian mimicry".

What's the difference between "mimicry" and "imitation"?

"Mimicry" often implies a deceptive or protective resemblance, particularly in natural phenomena. "Imitation" is a more general term for copying behavior or appearance, without necessarily implying deception.

Can "mimicry" be used in contexts other than biology?

Yes, "mimicry" can describe the act of imitating someone's behavior, speech, or style, often for entertainment or social purposes. In this context, it's similar to "impersonation".

What are some synonyms for "mimicry" that I can use in my writing?

Depending on the context, you can use synonyms such as "imitation", "aping", or "simulation" to convey similar meanings to "mimicry".